The Chief Executive of Story Homes has praised government proposals to grant automatic planning permission on brownfield sites…

Steve Errington said the initiative would “help developers who are looking to build on brownfield sites get schemes built quickly and help customers into their new homes.”

Business Secretary Sajid Javid announced earlier this month that a zonal system would automatically give approvals to certain sites, something which Steve saw as a positive move.

“Proposals to speed up the planning process across the board are also welcomed as this will stop costly delays for developers,” he said.

“Home builders have the will to build but developments are often held up or cancelled because of planning issues.”

The government also announced plans to be firmer with local authorities to ensure they are using their powers to get local plans in place.

At the time, Communities Secretary Greg Clark had said: “Today’s proposals ensure we go further and faster, removing the barriers so we can keep the country building and support hard-working people to achieve their dream of home ownership.”

However, Steve still thinks more needs to be done to tackle Britain’s housing shortage.

“Britain needs more homes, and moves to help homebuilders to achieve this will give confidence to the industry,” he said.

“But although unlocking brownfield land is a very positive move, the shortfall of new housing supply will not be fulfilled with brownfield land alone.”